hot then cold hot then cold hot then cold
 

i dropped a gtx motor in my 323 but the damn stock fan wouldnt fit so i have no fan running as of now. basically the engine goes cold when i drive and starts rising when idle. when i say cold, i mean the thermostat goes as low as it can go. i dont think this has anything to do with a fan not being hooked up but i could be wrong, anyone know what the deal is?

Check the coolant level. When antifreeze is low the temp usually fluctuates.

I thought this was a thread about my girlfriend, my bad!!

Re: hot then cold hot then cold hot then cold
 

I take it you mean the temp gauge goes as low as it can go.

What this sounds like is either a thermostat stuck open, or no thermostat at all. When driving, the radiator has enough air going through it to keep the motor cold if the thermostat isn't restricting flow, but when sitting there is no airflow across the radiator, and the car gets hot (because it isn't getting rid of the heat).

After getting a new thermostat put in, go get a fan if you value your engine. You might be able to use the A/C fan out of a Protege (it mounts in front). You could probably wire it up to use the stock fan wiring (and thermoswitch).

yah thats what i meant, the temp gauge goes up n down. but i gotta new thermostat 180 degree one that im gonna put in. basically i dont have one in there and the coolant is constantly flowing.

well it wasnt the thermostat, anyone else have any ideas?

i got it fixed, it was the thermostat after all :rolleyes: its just a big pain in the ass to keep alligned when your trying to put the housing back on the head, i swear i dont know how they expect you to that easily :wtf:

At least it was -only- the thermostat! ;)

Yeah, took me two tries to get it in the first time. (sounds like a girlfriend thread again :) ). I filled up the radiator and coolant started leaking all over the place. Not sure where else they could have put it (OK, the Miata has it on the other end of the block above the water pump, but it's still vertical. It's also not the best place for it.).

me too. ex rather tho. ;\